MHK 'disappointed but not surprised' over secondary school delay

An Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK says he’s ‘disappointed but not surprised’ over the delay in building a new secondary school in his constituency.

It comes after Treasury told a Public Accounts Committee that funding for a replacement Castle Rushen High School would likely be decided by the next administration.

That’s despite a previous hope that a vote would take place at June’s sitting of Tynwald.

You can find out more HERE.

Tim Glover has told Manx Radio he was disappointed by the way the treasury minister responded to questions during the PAC hearing.

John Moss has this report:

In a statement to Manx Radio, Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse - who also sits on the committee - said: "In recent years, I have spent a considerable amount of time raising concerns and trying to push forward this development.

"As a Member of the Public Accounts Committee, I asked the Minister a number of questions at the Hearing on Thursday afternoon about the plans for a new school.

"The 'block' now clearly appears to be within Treasury.

"On Thursday, the Minister was clear that no meetings had taken place with the Team dealing with the project since the meeting which the Southern Members also attended.

"This potentially is the first impact of the Steam Packet's decision to dramatically increase the cost of freight coming to the Island. Something I questioned the Chief Minister about earlier this month about with regard to the speed of the price rises.

"Since the Hearing on Thursday afternoon, I have been contacting the key players in an attempt to keep things going. Minister Thomas was clear that there is still the potential for a vote and that hope needs to be actioned."

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture has declined to comment.

Manx Radio has approached the Steam Packet Company for a response to Mr Moorhouse's comments.